Luke Darnell is a world barbeque champion, but he also happens to be a Morgantown native. Based out of Bristow, Va., his team Old Virginia Smoke has won numerous awards for their food. Saturday, he demonstrated how to prepare ribs, all for a good cause.
This year marked the first Red & Blue BBQ to benefit academic programs for Morgantown High School. Darnell prepared a barbeque meal that will raise funds through the MHS Foundation and Student Council.
“I started in the backyard just cooking for tailgates and parties on the weekend, and then I found out there was this whole competition thing,” he said.
Darnell said he does do classes a few times a year, but nothing like the demonstration he did Saturday. Around 40 people came and
asked questions as Darnell prepared his award-winning ribs.
“I love cooking food for people. I love seeing smiles on people’s faces. I think the ultimate way to show people that you care about them is to make them a great meal,” he said.
Darnell did say he gave away a few secrets during his demonstration.
“I gave away a lot of secrets today,” he said.
He said that MHS changed so much since he graduated in 1994. He said it was great to be back and great to do something for the school.
Jay Redmond, of the MHS Foundation, said the day was meant to support academic programs for the school.
“We got lucky because Luke is a graduate of Morgantown High and also the world champion, and when we found that out we just talked to him and he was interested in coming back and it all just sort of fell into place,” he said.
Ticketholders enjoyed pulled pork, green beans, coleslaw and cornbread.
“Morgantown High School is one of the top high schools in America and the Foundation here has been very active for many years and it helps to create other opportunities for students and teachers to enhance the education that’s being offered at the school,” Redmond said.
Redmond said these funds raised allow for kids to attend conferences and for buying school materials.
“Not a lot of high schools have as active a foundation as Morgantown High, but I think the fact we are active and we are able to raise some money really helps in keeping the school to be the top level where it is,” he said.
Redmond, who graduated from MHS in 1974, said he hopes to see this fundraiser continue.
“We would love to see this become an annual event and maybe even become part of a larger fall festival at the school,” he said.
